Antarctic programmes maintained

Press, 25 May 1985, Page 7

Antarctic programmes maintained

By OLIVER RIDDELL in Wellington

The Government has approved the plans of the Ross Dependency Research Committee for the 1985-86 New Zealand Antarctic Research Programme. Twelve organisations will participate in research projects, and 12 Government departments and five universities, under the control of the Antarctic Division of the D.S.I.R. The Minister of Science and Technology, Mr Tizard, said the programme would maintain New Zealand’s Antarctic scientific research activities and the programme to rebuild Scott Base at a level comparable with that of 1984-85.

The Scott Base rebuilding programme would involve construction of a workshop complex with an area of about 180 sq m. This work would be done jointly by the Antarctic Division, the Ministry of Works, and New Zealand Army engineers. A big contribution to the programme would again be

made by the Ministry of Defence, he said. This would involve R.N.Z.A.F. Hercules flights, exchanging air crews with the United States Antarctic programme, cargo-handling and crash fire crews, all as part of the joint Antarctic logistics agreement with the United States.

This summer’s programme would see New Zealand scientists and field staff undertake 45 scientific field and laboratory pro-

jects, with others still being considered and subject to available logistics support. Mr Tizard said the scientific studies would cover a wide range of disciplines including earth, atmospheric, and living sciences. The seismic, meteorological, and upper atmospheric recording laboratory programmes at both Scott Base and Vanda Stations would continue.

Plant, equipment, and

supplies needed for the continuation of the C.1.R.0.5. geological drilling project in 1986-87 would be taken to Scott Base this summer. Drilling operations were scheduled to start in September or October, 1986. At Scott Base and Vanda Station, 40 staff would provide essential services including meteorological reports and radio communications in support of the scientific work, he said. A number of the New

Zealand scientific projects would involve close cooperation with the United States Antarctic programme, including joint programmes at Cape Hallett and the Beardmore Glacier. New Zealand and United States field safety personnel would also combine to form a search and rescue team and provide survival training for scientists and field staff from both, Mr Tizard said.